Fashion Photography

Anyone with experience in directing a professional photo shoot will concur that the head shot is invaluable. The most successful directors, however, do welcome input on how to bring out the most favorable characteristics of their models, whether they are trying to portray beauty or character.

I am going to discuss the philosophy of Raid Photography as we continue this discourse, however I need to acknowledge that there is a controversy amongst professional fashion photographers over the inherent value of the candid versus the controlled pose. There are directors who claim that they never direct their models, as the positioning of head features into a per determined position would be detrimental to the natural tenor, or spontaneity of the portrait.

The converse theory suggests that as the business requires consistent results, reliance on luck, mood and other coincidental factors is not enough. These variables will not produce consistent results.

At Raidt photography, we feel as though when dealing with professional subjects, a working knowledge of technique allows for pose requirements to be determined by the collaboration of effort between the parties, and in that manner a determination can be made as to whether the shoot has a requirement for controlled, candid or controlled-candid implementation. Whitney's experience as a professional model can be imparted to the inexperienced and shared with the experienced subject.

A good director will employ a variety of techniques to encourage a model to feel natural and realistic in front of the camera. They are able to use proven methods to control a model without having to actually position their subject. Communication skills, suggestions and encouraging actions lend psychological motivation that results in dependable expression that occurs spontaneously. In practice, with proper direction any good model can accept instruction and react normally to create the desired image, without showing the effort and forcing the loss of spontaneity.

The professional fashion photographer leans on his model's capabilities and accepts inspiration in their ability to assist in the process, using her own unique physical mannerisms to help to create a perfect pose. The experienced director includes an ability to engage his model in the process of creation within the parameters of the shoot, and the camera's capability in recording the results.

Inexperienced models may feel that the range of possibilities available for her head position is exhausted in a sweeping move from left to right, a tendency which can frustrate the director who believes that the creative process requires free movement as opposed to strict controlled posing. The experienced director can suggest movement that will create other positions from which to select a pose. For example, a horizontal turn with 3 chin positions will provide many new positions to choose from, tilting the head in either direction, and repeating the move increases the options geometrically, without forcing a pose for any of the new angles.

Having professional experience both as a model and an educator, gives Raidt Photography a unique frame of reference from the director's point of view, and helps them to provide a comfortable environment for both aspiring and experienced models. The techniques used at the highest level of the art form are within their purview, and will be imparted with gentle persuasion. Whitney and Brendan will surely bolster the aspiring glamor model's confidence, and you will surely get the results that you desire for your portfolio, or your advertising campaign. Contact Raidt Photography for information on fashion photography, and pay for guaranteed results.